this post was submitted on 01 Nov 2024
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By old-timey names, I mean ones that you don't typically associate with anyone alive or younger than like 70.

Examples being:

  • Burl
  • Mildred
  • Herbert
  • Agnes
  • Evelyn (not as rare at the others, but getting there)

I've always liked the name "Opal" but I've only ever known two in my life. I was like 10-12 at the time, and they were both pushing 90.

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 4 days ago

Gertrude...who goes by Gertie

[–] [email protected] 14 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (3 children)

I have a relative named Agnes in her early twenties. Don't do it. I find the Texas A&M jokes to be unbearable and I'm sure I hear less than 10% of what she hears

Mildred, Evelyn, Opal all names of my aunts +3 generations older than mine. Also try Betty as a diminutive for Elizabeth, Gerald, Hank, Errol, Mabel, Jerome, and Cordelia. These all scream white Midwestern US farmer to me.

Errol is most likely to have gotten into a bit of trouble and really seen the world when he was drafted for WWII.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 5 days ago

Also try Betty as a diminutive for Elizabeth, Gerald, Hank, Errol, Mabel, Jerome, and Cordelia.

Why is Betty a diminutive of Gerald and Hank? (Among others)

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 4 days ago
  • Gerhard
  • Ingrid
[–] [email protected] 5 points 4 days ago
[–] [email protected] 13 points 5 days ago (4 children)

I would say Marceline, but adventure Time kind of kicked that overdue revival into high gear.

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[–] [email protected] 12 points 5 days ago (2 children)

Itzcoatl

Axayacatl

Axochitl

[–] [email protected] 10 points 5 days ago
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[–] [email protected] 12 points 5 days ago

Constantine

[–] [email protected] 12 points 5 days ago
[–] [email protected] 12 points 5 days ago (2 children)

How about Wanda. I had an aunt Wanda. She was kinda mean, but she had a lot of boyfriends.

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Ruth. You rarely meet Ruths these days.

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[–] [email protected] 11 points 5 days ago (1 children)
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[–] [email protected] 10 points 5 days ago (3 children)

Any common ancient Roman name. Not enough "imuses" or "cleses" suffixing names.

Kolanakimus Huskerclese

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[–] [email protected] 11 points 5 days ago (1 children)

My twelve year old is Evelyn. My 14 year old is Genevieve. Which is apparently still out there but I thought it was pretty uncommon when we named her.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Both pretty names! I'm particularly fond of "Genevieve."

I suspect there are several names no longer common in the US that are more common in other countries. I think "Genevieve" is still fairly common in France, and it's making a comeback in the states! You're doing your part!

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[–] [email protected] 8 points 5 days ago (5 children)

Dutch names.

Truitje Fiep Toos Wies (my grandma) Pleun Fons (my uncle) pronounced Funs in South Limburg

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 5 days ago (2 children)
[–] [email protected] 9 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Edna sounds like the Karen of the 20th century

[–] [email protected] 7 points 5 days ago

Worse. Ednas were Karens that became managers. Even if they weren't manangers...

Have you heard the phrase "Do you want to speak to the man in charge, or the woman who knows what's going on?"?

That woman was Edna.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 5 days ago
[–] [email protected] 5 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Ebenezer, or Eben for short

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 days ago

My friend has little sons named Ray, Malcolm and Ernie. It suits them immensely to have these old man names and they are so adorable.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 5 days ago
[–] [email protected] 9 points 5 days ago
[–] [email protected] 6 points 5 days ago (1 children)
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[–] [email protected] 9 points 5 days ago (1 children)
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[–] [email protected] 8 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

My wife liked the idea of Eleanor if we had a girl, I never liked it, but luckily we had a boy, so we didn't have to cross that bridge.

At work, we named the old, decrepit copier Opal in an effort to humanize it and get people to treat the old girl with more love and patience.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 5 days ago (1 children)
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[–] [email protected] 7 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I know a 10-year-old Agnes! And also a 40s/50s-ish Agnes (I can’t guess adult ages well).

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 5 days ago (2 children)
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